Best of 2009

Each New Year’s Eve, many of us look back upon the last year and say “this is what I still need to accomplish,” and sometimes, “I achieved these resolutions.”  It’s often a last minute thing, and it doesn’t really give you a good incentive to look back on what worked this year, and what was amazing and inspiring.  Instead, we focus too much on what we need to change in the next year, through our resolutions, so it seems like what was good this year sort of slips through the cracks.

Well, Gwen Bell has a different challenge…

Instead of criticizing ourselves for what we didn’t get done, and haranguing ourselves about what we need to do, Gwen’s challenge gives us a chance to REALLY reflect on all the things that happened this year, that were amazing.

For more information on what to do, and how to participate, go here.

It’s important to not forget what we did well, and what our little victories were, so here are some of mine:

What was your best trip in 2009?

I’ve had a few trips this year – but so far the best has been London.  It’s not every day you get to jet-set across the globe to somewhere so fantastic.  I definitely have a craving to go back, and London taught me a lot about getting around, and getting the most out of my location.  I loved walking the city, and visiting the Tate; the historical value is apparent in every building.  It’s amazing being somewhere with so much history – history that pre-dates your entire COUNTRY.  I found Londoners were incredibly nice, and there was such a hodge-podge of different people from different places.  *sigh*  I’d be there in a heartbeat if the chance arose.

Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?

I think one of my best restaurant moments was dinner at Mon Amie Gabi, in Vegas.  For the past couple years, Mister and I have made a pilgrimage to Sin City for a weekend with friends.  The first year I was there  was amazing and total magic.  This year was no different – and each time, we end up at Mon Amie Gabi, at the Paris, for one of the most fantastic dinners ever.   It’s always a great time with loads of friends, and hilarity.  I had my Lomo this year, and so there’s a hilarious shot of one of Mister’s friends stuffing salad in his mouth.  The flash is SO BRIGHT on that thing that I STILL have the image imprinted on my eyeballs.

What’s the best change you made to the place you live?

The best change to my living situation involved cohabitation, and the purging of excess things.  We’re not necessarily minimalist, but we just don’t believe in having extra crap.  We’ve streamlined in the last year – and it’s been a fanstastic feeling – having more space and less junk.   I’m a rearrange-r though.  I fully believe in rearranging the furniture or our decor to provide new inspiration, so maximizing space totally gets me going.

Another great change was all of the art that’s gone up in the house.  Whether it’s Mister’s art, art glass, record covers, our walls are extra inspiring.

Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world? Who was there? What was the highlight of the night?

Ummm I think it was probably when I went to see Metric with K-Slice and Troy.  The best part was ending up in the photobooth at the end of the night.  Also, Emily Haines is cuteness embodied.

Or maybe it was Amanda’s birthday when we paid for all our drinks in Sacajawea dollars.  There were bubbles and rapper trading cards and balloons, and Karaoke-fest.  We also ended up in a photobooth.

That gem of a blog you can’t believe you didn’t know about until this year.

Aaaaaahahahahaha!  That would be The Bloggess.  I laugh till I pee almost every time I read her site.  It’s true.  If it’s not giant boar heads or ninjas or Japan hijinx, it’s Jenny’s hilarious inner monologue about the Garmin, or tattooing your baby.  I waste more time on the web than I should reading The Bloggess.

Social web moment. Did you meet someone you used to only know from her blog? Did you discover Twitter?

Hotel Max Tweetup – hands down.  I met so many great people that I’d only spoken with online and they are amazing!  It proved that the internet is a powerful connection tool and it’s folly to take your online experience for granted.

I’d also have to add that social web moment – meeting Mademoiselle Robot (this also falls under best trip) was VERY cool.  We talked shop about the blog world and street style, and she’s adorable!

Those are my answers for just a few of the prompts and I’m likely to expand on more of those subjects as the month wears on.  For now, I’ll leave you with that and ask – what were some of YOUR best moments of 2009?

Link me if you follow any of Gwen’s prompts, I’d love to see your answers!